AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch on Saturday at the Elimination Chamber event, securing the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship for the first time in her career. Lee applied her signature submission move, the Black Widow, forcing Lynch to tap out, but controversy arose as referee Jessika Carr was knocked unconscious after Lynch accidentally struck her during a kick aimed at Lee.
Match Chaos and Turning Points during the Title Bout
With the official incapacitated, Lynch introduced a steel chair into the match and executed a chair-assisted DDT on Lee, followed by a Manhandle Slam onto the mat. The referee briefly regained consciousness, allowing a pin count that almost ended the match, but Lee managed to kick out at two. Lynch attempted another attack but collided with an exposed turnbuckle, sustaining damage that shifted momentum.
Capitalizing on Lynch’s misstep, Lee ensnared her in the Black Widow hold once again. This time, the referee was alert enough to witness Lynch’s submission, confirming Lee’s victory and crowning her the new Intercontinental champion.
Background of the Lynch and Lee Feud Leading up to Elimination Chamber
The Elimination Chamber marked the first one-on-one match between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee, though their rivalry has roots stretching back several months. Their conflict began in September when Lee returned to WWE after more than a decade away from active competition. During CM Punk’s heated rivalry with Seth Rollins, Lynch, who is married to Punk, became involved, prompting Punk to enlist Lee’s help to counter Lynch’s dominance.
The dynamic started to take shape at Wrestlepalooza, where Lee and Punk teamed up to defeat Lynch and Rollins, marking AJ Lee’s in-ring comeback after ten years. The rivalry intensified in November when Lee interfered during Lynch’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship defense against Maxxine Dupri, causing Lynch to lose the title.
Team Rivalries and Intensifying Hostilities
Following these incidents, Lee joined Rhea Ripley’s WarGames team, while Lynch aligned with The Kabuki Warriors, leading to a fierce WarGames match at Survivor Series. Lee’s team emerged victorious, adding fuel to their ongoing feud. Lee then vanished from television for several months before returning on the February 9 episode of Raw, much to Lynch’s displeasure.
When Lynch confronted Lee, demanding retribution for the past actions, Lee provocatively challenged Lynch to defend the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against her at Elimination Chamber, setting the stage for their high-stakes encounter.
Implications of the Title Change and What Lies Ahead
Lee’s victory over Lynch not only gave her the Intercontinental title but also intensified a rivalry that shows no sign of ending. Given their escalating conflict and high-profile history, a rematch at WrestleMania 42 appears to be the most logical next step, promising further dramatic confrontations between these two competitors.
“I had to do what I had to do. That’s how you win in WWE.” – AJ Lee, WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion
“It’s not over. I will get that title back, no matter what.” – Becky Lynch, Former Champion
